5 Tips to Make a Divorce Less Stressful

Divorce is one of the most challenging and stressful processes an individual can go through. No matter what your reason for the end of a marriage may be, it's a tough decision to make for your family. With strong emotions involved throughout the entire process, you may feel overwhelmed with the stress of divorce. As your Lake of the Ozarks divorce attorney, I know how difficult of time this is for you and your entire family. That's why I've dedicated this week's blog to focus on ways to make the divorce process less stressful for all involved.

1. Disclose All Assets

Assets will be evaluated during the divorce process in order to divide them amongst the spouses. Do not attempt to hide any assets that your husband or wife may not know about. If the court discovers such items have been covered up, the process will start over and you may be reprimanded for not disclosing all of your assets upfront.

2. Cooperate Through the Process

To help reduce the stress level for everyone involved, try to cooperate with the court and with your spouse as you part ways. This makes life a little easier on both of you through this major life change. Especially if you have children involved in the process, it's best to lead by example and be as flexible as possible throughout the divorce.

3. Be There For Your Kids

Continue to be involved in your children's lives, even if you are no longer living under the same roof. It can help show your kids how much you care and that you will always be there to support them, even if you and your spouse are no longer together. Put your kids first and remember they are going through a challenging time, just like you are.

4. Keep Life Changes to a Minimum

Divorce is a major life change in itself. Try not to add to many changes into your life at the same time. It can make the process drag on longer than needed and make it even more stressful on yourself. While it's hard to predict when changes will come about, try to avoid them if possible or put them off until after the divorce process is finalized.

5. Ask Questions if Something is Unclear

Your divorce attorney is there for you throughout the entire process. Don't hesitate to ask questions about a certain protocol or why something is happening. A professional legal advisor will be able to help walk you through the process and thoroughly explain why this step is needed to reach the end goal of being divorced. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - that is why you hired a professional who has done this before!

An experienced divorce lawyer near Lake of the Ozarks can help you through the entire process. From filing to division of assets to custody arrangements, Gibbons Law Firm can help you navigate through the stressful and emotional divorce process. If you are in the middle of a divorce or are planning to file soon, contact our Lake of the Ozarks law firm to schedule a consultation today. With us, your first consultation is always free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Tips for a Safe Halloween

Halloween is an exciting time of year for both children and adults. There are a few dangers that present themselves this time of year, even though it appears to be all fun and games. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm wants to help keep your family safe this Halloween. It's important to strive for a safe environment during the holiday.  Take a look below for some safety tips to consider while you are out and about or at home on this upcoming holiday.

Walking Around the Neighborhood

-Always discuss safety when crossing roadways. It's a good idea to stay with your children to ensure they are following smart pedestrian etiquette, instead of letting them roam around the neighborhood unsupervised.

-Consider incorporating a glow-in-the-dark or reflective strip on their costume. This can help increase their visibility to drivers.

-Have an adult check all candy gathered, before a child consumes it. If there are any puncture holes or opened wrappers, it's bests to throw those pieces out.

- Remind your children to only go up to someone’s front door, never enter the home (unless it is someone you know and trust).

Driving to a Halloween Activity

-Keep your eyes peeled for children heading out to trick-or-treat. Often times, kids can get distracted by the excitement of Halloween and forget to look both ways before crossing a road.

-Park in a well-lit spot once you get to your Halloween gathering. Whether going to a trunk-or-treat event or a local Halloween get together, try to find a parking spot where you are comfortable getting you and your family out of the vehicle.

-If you are headed to an adult Halloween party, ensure you restricted your alcohol intake or have a designated driver lined up beforehand. There's no reason to drive under the influence and risk your life, as well as others on the roads.

Passing Out Candy at Home

-Create a safe place for children and their families to come trick-or-treat. Try to clear your walkway to ensure there are no tripping hazards present. If you are decorating your front stairs or entryway for the holiday, consider safety as you do so. You don't want someone to trip and fall while on your property.

-Purchase candy that comes pre-wrapped. This can help ensure you have not tampered with any candy, as parents sort through their children's loot at the end of the night!

-Illuminate your property well as children and adults will be making their way to your front stairs. It's important to protect yourself from someone getting hurt on your property, due to a dark walkway.

Don't forget to prepare for a safe night, no matter if you plan to spend time out trick-or-treating or at home passing out candy. If you do find yourself involved in an accident, don't hesitate to seek legal representation. It's important to know your options - no matter what kind of involvement you may have in a legal situation. Gibbons Law Firm is here for all of your legal needs near the Lake of the Ozarks. Simply give us a call at 573-348-2211 to schedule your initial consultation - remember your first one is always free! We truly hope you have a SAFE and Happy Halloween!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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How the Bail System Works

"The bail has been posted", "My brother bailed me out of jail", and "The bail has been set at $10,000" are all phrases we have likely heard. Most of us are exposed to statements regarding bail, whether it be in real-life or on your favorite television show. Many people know that bail is the temporary release of someone awaiting trial for a crime in which they were arrested, but there is much more to the bail system than that.

As your criminal defense lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, our law firm knows how important it is to know the ins and outs of the bail system. Even if you don’t plan on needing this knowledge, you never know when a friend or family member will call you for bail. Take a look below to learn more about the Missouri bail system and how it may affect you.

The Basics:

After the police take someone into custody, they will be fingerprinted and photographed and then held in a cell. A bond amount is then set for the individual. This amount can vary from $500 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the crime. In order for the individual to get released, a friend or family member must bring in cash or a cashier's check in the amount the bond is set. This amount is to ensure to individual being accused will show up to court, where the money will be refunded. The individual may have to stay in holding until the court date, if no one can provide the funds needed for bail. See the point about bail bonds for other options when it comes to paying bail.

All About Bail Bonds:

When the individual nor friends or family members are able to pay the bail amount and it is not reasonable to stay in jail until the trial (which can be schedule months out), another alternative is available. A bail bond agent can provide the funds needed to cover bail, for a small fee - usually 10% of the bail amount. The individual is free to go until his or her court date, once the bail is posted by the agent. The bond agent is held responsible to the court to ensure the individual attends his or her court date. If they do not show up, the agent is now held liable to the court for the full bail amount. A "bounty hunter" may be hired by the bond agent to locate the individual and ensure he or she does not miss their court date.

Earlier we discussed the bond bail amount is usually 10% of the total bond amount. There is another alternative for an individual who cannot afford that amount - a bond loan. The bond agent may negotiate another form of payment of collateral to be taken out against the person in need of being bailed out of jail. This payment may come in the form of a car or home deed or a "signer" who promises to repay the amount, if the individual is unable to do so. Many bond agents will accept an individual with good credit and/or financial backing to be a "signer" for the person who is needing bailed out.

If you are arrested, it's important to know your options. A professional lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks is available for you to seek representation. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the entire process - starting with bail. Contact Gibbons Law Firm as soon as possible when our services are needed. Don't forget, your first consultation is always free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Top Legal Questions For Starting a Business

Starting a business may seem overwhelming at first. A legal professional can be a big help when working on a new business venture. With the amount of legal documentation needed to get your business off on the right foot, consider seeking legal help through this process. Our Lake of the Ozarks law firm can help you get your business up and running, legally. You may have a few questions as you start your business and Gibbons Law Firm is here to help! Take a look below to read the answers to common legal questions when starting a new business.

What is the right business structure for me?

Before starting a business, you will need to decide upon the business structure. As a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you and your business will be seen as the same entity. This can cause issues in your personal life should your business go into debt or be sued. To help protect against this, you can structure your business as a corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership. This can help protect the personal assets of those involved in the company. Limited partnership and nonprofit corporations are also options for your new venture. A legal professional can offer the pros and cons of each type and offer advice as to which one is best for your future business.

What risk to I face when hiring employees?

Your business may be open to a number of risks and regulations as you hire employees. It's important to know the details of employment laws and to abide by the rules of employment for your state. Don't forget to keep good documentation of any employee activity - hiring, firing, and everything in between. Your business lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks can help you know the regulations you need to follow and help you draft accurate documentation for any employment activity.

Should I trademark my brand?

A business name, logo, and slogan can be trademarked to help prevent other businesses from using the same branding technique as yours. To do so, you must register these items to be trademarked and ensure you are not using a graphic, name, or phrase that another business has already used.

What contracts do I need?

This depends on what type of business you are operating. Well-written contracts are very important for a business. They can help to protect your business, ensure you get paid for work you have completed, and help decrease the number of disputes brought against your future business. Your lawyer will be able to specifically narrow down what contracts are needed for your unique venture.

Do I need a lawyer for my business?

While it's not required, a legal professional can help your business in a number of ways. From helping establish your business and initial documentation to giving legal advice throughout your time in business, you may use your business lawyer a lot. It's best to have a legal professional on your side who knows your background when a legal issue arises. We'd be pleased if you would consider Gibbons Law Firm to be your legal professional for your new venture!

Are you ready to get your business established? Have more questions about starting your business? Our lawyer near the Lake of the Ozarks is here for all of your legal needs; Give our law firm a call at 573-348-2211 to set up a consultation today - remember your first consultation is always free. We look forward to helping you legally prepare for your business to open!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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